The use of intellectual property as collateral is a phenomenon that has risen to recognition by banks and other lending institutions in developed countries, over the years. This phenomenon, previously unheard of in Kenya, is now set to get off the ground through the Movable Property Security Rights Bill, 2016.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the use of movable property as collateral for credit facilities and to establish a collateral registry to facilitate registration of interests in movable property. If passed, Kenyans will be able to use their intellectual property, including copyright, patents, trademarks, certificates for industrial designs, certificates for utility models, and other related rights, to create security rights through which they can acquire credit facilities.